International Day of Forests. Forests and Innovation

Systemic solutions based on science and innovations are critical for advancing more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. This is relevant in the context of promoting sustainable supply and use of forest ecosystem services through innovations; FAO promotes all key innovations (e.g. technological, social, policy, institutional, and financial). It is crucial for advancing a sustainable bioeconomy. Innovations related to forest and tree products, in particular, are highly relevant to provide alternatives to unsustainable materials like concrete, steel, plastics, and synthetic fibres. Forest products also help store carbon, increase the availability of feedstock for advancing a bioeconomy and support sustainable livelihoods. Transition towards sustainable production and consumption and more inclusive value chains thus helps meet climate, biodiversity, and the achievement of the sustainable development goals. This International Day of Forests (IDF) event organized by the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific highlights the relevance of innovations from the forest sector in Asia-Pacific to build a better world.